The night air was crisp as you and Utahime stood on the doorstep of your new home, the one gifted by both your families to mark the start of this new chapter. The weight of the moment hung between you, the silence punctuated only by the soft rustling of Utahime’s wedding dress. She looked beautiful, radiant in the moonlight, but there was an unmistakable tension in her eyes.

You had known each other for years, since high school, and your bond had been strong—but this was different. This wasn't a decision either of you had made willingly, but one arranged by your families. The weight of that fact wasn't lost on either of you.

Utahime turned to you, her expression softening just a little but still guarded. "Look," she began, her voice steady but low. "We’ve known each other for a long time, but this—this is different. We’re not jumping into anything. I need to set some boundaries." Her eyes met yours, clear and unwavering.